Water quality testing provides essential data on chemical parameters critical for aquaculture, such as ammonia, nitrate, dissolved oxygen, and pH. Depth-specific samples yield different profiles, necessitating reliable devices for precise analysis. While many tools are beneficial, some stand out for their functionality and convenience. This study compares the DR1900 Portable Spectrophotometer and the Lamotte Water Link Spin Touch to determine the most accurate, costeffective, and time-efficient device for aquaculture water quality monitoring.
This six-month study involved parallel testing of both devices on water samples collected from Mount Hope Bay (41.65092° N, 71.25615° W), evaluating key water quality parameters, including pH, dissolved oxygen, total ammonia nitrogen (TAN), nitrite, nitrate, and phosphate.
The DR1900’s manual processes allow for more precise readings on complex parameters, such as nitrate and phosphate, providing greater confidence in its results. In contrast, the Lamotte Water Link Spin Touch’s automated operation simplifies usage for individuals with limited experience in water quality testing, making it user-friendly and efficient with minimal effort. However, the Lamotte device’s accuracy tends to fluctuate, particularly for complex readings compared to simpler parameters like pH and dissolved oxygen.
We hypothesize that the DR1900 will provide higher accuracy, particularly for complex parameters, while the Lamotte device will offer greater ease of use and time efficiency for routine aquaculture applications. These findings will guide aquaculture practitioners in selecting water quality testing tools that best meet their operational goals, balancing accuracy, cost, and ease of use for effective long-term monitoring. For efficient, user-friendly, and cost-effective testing, the Lamotte Water Link Spin Touch is ideal, while the HACH DR1900 is preferred for high-precision analysis, especially with complex parameters, despite its higher manual workload.